Today, the Chinese delegation to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) will meet with the intergovernmental group’s Dispute Settlement Body to

Photo: STR/AFP/Getty Images

Today, the Chinese delegation to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) will meet with the intergovernmental group’s Dispute Settlement Body to discuss its retaliatory strategy against the United States.

In question is China’s proposal to instate a yearly counterstroke of over $7 billion in response to US anti-dumping duties. This affront via a formal institutional channel comes amidst the ongoing tariff conflict, which currently amounts to $60 billion worth of Chinese tariffs against the US.

If the WTO follows through with this case, it would be a historic shift in China and the US’ dynamic with the organisation. It would be the first time that China vied for and received clearance to push against the US through these means. Likewise, it would also demonstrate the WTO’s willingness to act unfavourably towards the US despite the Trump administration’s threats to withdraw. Expect the Chinese to optimise its interaction with the internationally respected institution to legitimise its retaliatory strategy against the world’s biggest economy.

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